Wild Tamarind
Scientific name: Lysiloma latisiliquum
Overview
Wild Tamarind is a dense and durable hardwood native to the Caribbean and parts of southern Florida. Despite its name, it is not closely related to true tamarind species used for food. It is valued for its strength, hardness, and resistance to wear, making it suitable for demanding applications.
This species is closely related to Horseflesh Mahogany but is generally considered more refined in appearance and slightly more consistent in structure, giving it broader woodworking potential
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Wild Tamarind (Spalted Tamarind)
- Scientific Name: Lysiloma latisiliquum
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: Medium tree, typically 25–50 ft tall
- Average Dried Weight: High
- Janka Hardness: Not officially rated (estimated high)
- Color: Medium brown to reddish-brown
- Grain: Interlocked to irregular
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Wild Tamarind is identified by its medium to dark brown coloration and dense structure. The grain is often interlocked, which can produce subtle figure but also affects how the wood behaves during machining.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to reddish-brown heartwood
- Interlocked or slightly irregular grain
- Medium texture
- Dense, heavy feel
Working Properties
Wild Tamarind is a hard and durable wood that performs well in demanding applications, though its interlocked grain can make machining more challenging. It is better suited for experienced woodworkers or applications where strength is prioritized over ease of work.
- Very hard and wear-resistant
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out during machining
- Requires sharp tools for best results
- Holds fasteners well
- Finishes to a smooth, durable surface with proper prep
Safety Note
No widely reported adverse reactions. Standard dust protection and ventilation are recommended when working with this species.
Common Uses
Wild Tamarind is used in applications where durability and strength are important.
- Tool handles
- Heavy-duty furniture
- Structural components
- Outdoor or utility applications
- Flooring and wear surfaces (where available)
Sustainability & Notes
This species is not widely traded internationally and is typically used regionally. Its limited commercial availability makes it less commonly encountered outside its native range.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Horseflesh Mahogany — Closely related species with similar density and strength, though often slightly coarser and less refined in appearance.
Santa Maria — More uniform and easier to work, commonly used for furniture where appearance and consistency are prioritized over extreme hardness.
Whitewood — Much lighter and easier to machine, but significantly less durable and not suited for heavy-duty applications.
Related Guides
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain — Essential for working woods like Wild Tamarind where grain direction can cause machining challenges.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods — Important for dense tropical hardwoods to maintain stability and prevent defects.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods — Provides techniques for handling hard, wear-resistant species with interlocked grain.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Wild Tamarind is a strong addition to a Caribbean collection, especially when paired with related species like Horseflesh Mahogany. Its density and regional use make it a good representation of high-performance tropical hardwoods, even without dramatic figure.
Video Overview
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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